Complexity In The Local Church

Posted July 24, 2009

I’m not an expert in church history. I grew up Catholic which was the extent of my religious awarness until high school where I accepted Christ at a protestant church. Since that time I’ve been very intentional at plugging in to a church or a community of Christ followers. I believe the local church represents the hope of the world.

I was an MVP volunteer at my local church (where I subsequently left a corporate marketing career to join the staff – but that’s not the point of this post) and was a key figure in the “worship wars” of that church transitioning. I was dying for a church I could invite my friends to and didn’t apologize to them for what they were about to experience.

I believe the greatest challenge for today’s church is not “worship wars” any longer (though some are still wrestling with this), but one of complexity.

This is not a new topic. It’s been written about by many. Most notably (and just to name a few):

We find today’s church at the point where “most everyone’s energy goes in to supporting and maintaining the organizational infrastructure.” – Dave Browning, Deliberate Simplicity

Throughout scripture we see Jesus leaving one area after the other with unmet needs in his midst, yet at the end of his time on earth acknowledges that “it is finished.” Jesus was focused. He didn’t try to meet everyone’s perceived immediate needs. By being focused he met their eternal needs.

Is this your organization? I’m in the midst of this journey with my area of leadership. The journey continues…